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Poster Abstract PresentationsSession Title: Global Health

Abstract P366: Examining the Impact of Captivity in Men and Women on the Slaves Returning to South Sudan

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Abstract

Background: South Sudan became an independent state on July 9 2011, after having endured two civil wars with Republic of the Sudan lasting 51 years. Over the 51 years approximately 300,000 South Sudanese were abducted and in held in captivity in the Republic of the Sudan. The South Sudanese abductees suffered abuse and deprivation. Presently it is estimated that 35,000 are still in captivity. Assessing the health status of returning South Sudanese citizens immediately after their return is imperative. The aim of this report is to examine the effect of captivity on heart rate, (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and basic chemistry panel between men and women.

Methods: In March of 2013, an American medical team performed health assessments for 48 hours in the state of Bahr el Gazal located in the northwest region of South Sudan. All returnees received health assessments within four days of their return. Health assessments defined as returnees’ demographics, along with their full history and physical examination. During physical exam height, weight, SBP, DBP, and HR, electrolytes and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were recorded and analyzed.

Results: Analysis was run on 186 participants, 50.5% (94) male, and 49.5% (92) female. Females were significantly younger at age of abduction, whereas men spent a significantly longer time in captivity (Table). SBP and DBP were significantly higher in males compared to females, even after adjusting for Age (p = 0.002, p = 0.036). HR was significantly less in males compared with females, even when adjusting for age (p < 0.001). BUN was significantly lower in females compared to males adjusting for age (p < 0.001)

Conclusion: Although a majority of measurements in both men and women slaves returning to South Sudan fell within normal ranges, it is crucial to continue to monitor this group’s cardiovascular health because their deprivation while in captivity may have significantly impacted their health and risk for long term cardiovascular disease.